MUTUAL SUSPICIONS, RECRIMINATIONS PULLING THEIR T BOGIE APART
Express News Service
First Published : 24 Oct 2010 04:22:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 24 Oct 2010 10:45:55 AM IST
HYDERABAD: The train journey to Delhi by leaders of the Telangana TDP Forum began from the Secunderabad railway station today but the T-bogie is being pulled in different directions by the party’s T-seniors.
TTDP Forum convener Nagam Janardhan Reddy, according to sources, has complained that it was T Devender Goud who had proposed the Delhi tour to party chief N Chandrababu Naidu but did not take active role in organising the tour. Then Reddy took the lead ``to claim’’ all the credit for the Delhi show, his opponents question his financial contribution to the jaunt as the special train consisting of 18 bogies cost the party around ` 30 lakh.
The Janardhan Reddy group, however, refutes the charge saying that no one had come forward to meet the expenses and it was Reddy who mobilised the needed money.
As if one is not enough the party is beset with another controversy. Some leaders are spitting fire at M Narsimhulu for describing Telangana Praja Front leader Gadar as a `Monagadu’ (hero). Moreover, Narasimhulu made the remark in the presence of Naidu. ``If Gadar is the only he-man, what about the seniors in the party? Are they not manly enough?’’ they wonder.
But Narsimhulu has a point, say his supporters. ``Why are the leaders, who had served as ministers for nine years, not shelling out money from their pockets for the T-cause?’’ they say.
Another leader, E Dayakar Rao, has declared recently that they will also meet the Union water resources minister and the Central Water Commission chief and submit a memorandum on the Babli project during their visit to Delhi. ``How can Dayakar Rao club the Babli and Telangana issues?’’ question his detractors in the party. ``It is Dayakar’s own agenda and has nothing to do with the objectives of the forum’s Delhi visit,’’ says a senior leader.
The propaganda material on the train journey printed by the TTDPF too has invited criticism within the party as the pamphlet contains no photo of NT Rama Rao or Naidu or even the party’s symbol. “I only finalised the write-up but have not seen the proof,” says a leader.
But these mutual recriminations within the TDP make its rivals, including the TRS, smile. Naidu is opposed to statehood being given to Telangana and it is only appropriate that his photo is not carried in the publicity material, they say.
Sunday 24 October 2010
Babu gives a `charity lecture' to techies
EXHORTS THEM TO SET ASIDE A `SERVICE BUDGET' TO TAKE UP CHARITABLE ACTIVITYExpress News Service
First Published : 24 Oct 2010 04:11:40 AM IST
Last Updated : 24 Oct 2010 01:22:15 PM IST
HYDERABAD: Taking a break from his routine political activity, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu today gave an economics lecture to intellectuals and IT professionals. He encouraged them to create their own ‘service budget’ from their salary just as they set apart the household budget.
“Keep aside some money, anything from Rs 25, from your salary and use it for service activities. Do the service on your own or donate the money to any charity organisation, including NTR Memorial Trust,” Naidu exhorted the young professionals at a meeting on ‘Charity and Service’ here.
He tried to inspire them by referring to Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Wipro Premji, Tatas and Mahindras who donated huge amounts for charity. “Premji recently created a charitable trust with Rs 4,500 crore, Tatas gave `250 crore to Harvard University,” Naidu told them.
“Apart from politics, I am also doing some charity through NTR Memorial Trust,” Naidu informed them.
He said the Trust was planning to provide 20 litres of purified water at a nominal cost of Rs 2 to people in villages. Each purifier, which would cater to the drinking water needs of around 8,000 people, would be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 4 lakh. On the global economic situation, Naidu said the regulatory authorities in the US had failed in performing their tasks properly which resulted in the collapse of the economy causing a ripple effect on the global economy. In India, the regulatory authorities like the RBI had failed to regulate the interest rates of MFIs, he alleged.
Stating that AP had the best talent in the world, Naidu said India would surpass China and become an economic superpower. “China has some drawbacks. There are no elections there and the Chinese people have no opportunity to correct the mistakes of their policy-makers. But in India we have elections through which the people can change the governments that commit any mistakes,” Naidu said.
Several speakers stressed the need to rectify the past mistakes and re-elect Naidu in the future.
NTR Trust to set up blood transfusion centres
Express News Service
First Published : 22 Oct 2010 07:14:28 AM IST
Last Updated : 22 Oct 2010 10:24:50 AM IST
HYDERABAD: NTR Memorial Trust will start regional blood transfusion centres (RBTC) in the city.
The NTR virtual blood bank, which donates around 4,000 units of blood per month in the city, was the first blood bank in the state to get permission to start the regional blood transfusion centres.
“We are planning to start three to four RBTCs in the city and store blood near important hospitals. This will reduce the time for transmitting blood from the NTR Blood Bank located in Banjara Hills to other parts of city,” trust chief executive officer Motaparthy Venkat said.
Due to traffic problems, the transmission of blood on time to other hospitals is becoming difficult, he explained.
The trust is also planning to start RBTCs in all districts in phases.
The trust also plans to set up blood banks with world-class facilities in Tirupati, Warangal and Visakhapatnam in the coming months.
Blood banks run by the trust in Hyderabad and Guntur have donated blood to around one lakh people.
Trust NRI wing head TL Prasad said they are also contacting non-resident Telugus to help in their native villages.
As part of its endeavour to provide mobile healthcare to villagers, the trust will keep ready the NTR Health Ratham in every district.
It has also plans to provide free education to around one lakh poor children in the next five years and set up 1,000 water plants to provide safe drinking water in fluoride-affected areas.
The trust would start an eye bank at Trust Bhavan soon. Equipment worth Rs 25 lakh has already been placed, Motaparty Venkat said.
Managing trustee N Chandrababu Naidu today donated artificial limbs to party worker Vinod who lost his legs due to an accident.
Speaking on the occasion Naidu said the trust would train one lakh unemployed youth in self-employment programmes in the next five years.
First Published : 22 Oct 2010 07:14:28 AM IST
Last Updated : 22 Oct 2010 10:24:50 AM IST
HYDERABAD: NTR Memorial Trust will start regional blood transfusion centres (RBTC) in the city.
The NTR virtual blood bank, which donates around 4,000 units of blood per month in the city, was the first blood bank in the state to get permission to start the regional blood transfusion centres.
“We are planning to start three to four RBTCs in the city and store blood near important hospitals. This will reduce the time for transmitting blood from the NTR Blood Bank located in Banjara Hills to other parts of city,” trust chief executive officer Motaparthy Venkat said.
Due to traffic problems, the transmission of blood on time to other hospitals is becoming difficult, he explained.
The trust is also planning to start RBTCs in all districts in phases.
The trust also plans to set up blood banks with world-class facilities in Tirupati, Warangal and Visakhapatnam in the coming months.
Blood banks run by the trust in Hyderabad and Guntur have donated blood to around one lakh people.
Trust NRI wing head TL Prasad said they are also contacting non-resident Telugus to help in their native villages.
As part of its endeavour to provide mobile healthcare to villagers, the trust will keep ready the NTR Health Ratham in every district.
It has also plans to provide free education to around one lakh poor children in the next five years and set up 1,000 water plants to provide safe drinking water in fluoride-affected areas.
The trust would start an eye bank at Trust Bhavan soon. Equipment worth Rs 25 lakh has already been placed, Motaparty Venkat said.
Managing trustee N Chandrababu Naidu today donated artificial limbs to party worker Vinod who lost his legs due to an accident.
Speaking on the occasion Naidu said the trust would train one lakh unemployed youth in self-employment programmes in the next five years.
Tuesday 12 October 2010
A-TDP’s pro-T noises only to bail out Babu?
HYDERABAD, Oct. 9 -- Winds of change are blowing across the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on the separate Telangana demand.
While Telangana TDP leaders are aggressively promoting T, the Andhra leaders have suddenly started speaking in favour of Telangana, as evidenced by the admission of Srikakulam leader K Yerran Naidu.
The T-leaders have become aggressive and even are targeting TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao personally. On the other hand, senior leader K Yerran Naidu, who is also part of a fivemember committee which advised party to take a pro-Telangana stand in 2008, demanded that the Congress should introduce a Bill in Parliament for T state.
After Union home minister P Chidambaram's statement, there was a region-wise split in all the parties.
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu too repeatedly said that there was a division not only in the TDP but in all other parties.
Surprisingly, after the Telangana TDP Forum decided to stage a dharna in front of the residence of AICC president Sonia Gandhi, the Andhra TDP leaders too have made it clear that they never opposed the T and wanted the Centre to divide the State as the BJP and other parties were in favour of division.
Analysts felt that the aggressive stand of the Telangana TDP and the favourable statements of Andhra TDP leaders should be understood as nothing but attempts to protect the party in the Telangana region.
With repeated adverse statements by Andhra TDP leaders till now, the party leaders in Telangana have been facing embarrassing moments. As the party is facing a difficult situation in Telangana, the Andhra leaders have decided to tone down their aggressive United Andhra stance.
At the recent politburo meeting, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu directed the party leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema to visit Telangana and vice-versa. Naidu felt the warlike situation between Andhra and Telangana leaders would ultimately damage the party and wanted to buy peace with each other. This was another reason for the change in the stance by Andhra leaders.
However, critics felt that there was no chance of the Srikrishna Committee giving a clear recommendation for the formation of T and the Congress too would not take any firm decision in favour of T.
Once the Congress stand becomes clear after December 31, the TDP would start blaming the Congress for 'going back' on T. Then the Andhra and Telangana TDP leaders would jointly accuse the Congress of betraying the people of T and for creating ill-will among the people by going back on the promise of delivering Telangana. The Congress is responsible for the political turmoil in the state with its contradictory statements, a TDP leader pointed out.
Meanwhile, TRS leaders are repeatedly targeting TDP chief Naidu for allegedly plotting against Telangana after the Union home minister's statement. They even accused Naidu of funding the united Andhra movement after the Centre initiated the T-process.
Now, the positive statements from Andhra TDP leaders could send the message clear and loud that Naidu is not a hindrance to the formation of T while also serving to shift the blame on to the Congress for not keeping its word on T.
Asked about the change in his stand, Yerran Naidu told Express that there was nothing new in his statement on T. "The TDP took a pro- Telangana decision. But, the leaders in Andhra and Rayalaseema reflected the feelings of their respective regions.
We have never hurt the sentiments of T-people. Even Naidu repeatedly said he was not against T," Yerran Naidu said.
Yerran Naidu's statement has made it clear that the United Andhra movement was a movement of leaders and not that of the people, critics point out.
While Telangana TDP leaders are aggressively promoting T, the Andhra leaders have suddenly started speaking in favour of Telangana, as evidenced by the admission of Srikakulam leader K Yerran Naidu.
The T-leaders have become aggressive and even are targeting TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao personally. On the other hand, senior leader K Yerran Naidu, who is also part of a fivemember committee which advised party to take a pro-Telangana stand in 2008, demanded that the Congress should introduce a Bill in Parliament for T state.
After Union home minister P Chidambaram's statement, there was a region-wise split in all the parties.
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu too repeatedly said that there was a division not only in the TDP but in all other parties.
Surprisingly, after the Telangana TDP Forum decided to stage a dharna in front of the residence of AICC president Sonia Gandhi, the Andhra TDP leaders too have made it clear that they never opposed the T and wanted the Centre to divide the State as the BJP and other parties were in favour of division.
Analysts felt that the aggressive stand of the Telangana TDP and the favourable statements of Andhra TDP leaders should be understood as nothing but attempts to protect the party in the Telangana region.
With repeated adverse statements by Andhra TDP leaders till now, the party leaders in Telangana have been facing embarrassing moments. As the party is facing a difficult situation in Telangana, the Andhra leaders have decided to tone down their aggressive United Andhra stance.
At the recent politburo meeting, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu directed the party leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema to visit Telangana and vice-versa. Naidu felt the warlike situation between Andhra and Telangana leaders would ultimately damage the party and wanted to buy peace with each other. This was another reason for the change in the stance by Andhra leaders.
However, critics felt that there was no chance of the Srikrishna Committee giving a clear recommendation for the formation of T and the Congress too would not take any firm decision in favour of T.
Once the Congress stand becomes clear after December 31, the TDP would start blaming the Congress for 'going back' on T. Then the Andhra and Telangana TDP leaders would jointly accuse the Congress of betraying the people of T and for creating ill-will among the people by going back on the promise of delivering Telangana. The Congress is responsible for the political turmoil in the state with its contradictory statements, a TDP leader pointed out.
Meanwhile, TRS leaders are repeatedly targeting TDP chief Naidu for allegedly plotting against Telangana after the Union home minister's statement. They even accused Naidu of funding the united Andhra movement after the Centre initiated the T-process.
Now, the positive statements from Andhra TDP leaders could send the message clear and loud that Naidu is not a hindrance to the formation of T while also serving to shift the blame on to the Congress for not keeping its word on T.
Asked about the change in his stand, Yerran Naidu told Express that there was nothing new in his statement on T. "The TDP took a pro- Telangana decision. But, the leaders in Andhra and Rayalaseema reflected the feelings of their respective regions.
We have never hurt the sentiments of T-people. Even Naidu repeatedly said he was not against T," Yerran Naidu said.
Yerran Naidu's statement has made it clear that the United Andhra movement was a movement of leaders and not that of the people, critics point out.
‘Telangana spells end to crony capitalism’
Express News Service
First Published : 11 Oct 2010 05:05:57 AM IST
Last Updated : 12 Oct 2010 10:56:01 AM IST
Telangana ideologue Prof Kodandaram says the Telangana movement is not a mere separatist agitation. It's a part of a nationwidw response to the ills of crony capitalism.
K Chandrasekhar Rao has declared that the TRS agenda is the naxalite agenda. How do you view this?
There is an historic background to this. When the Telangana movement failed in 1969, frustrated youth went over to the naxalite movement. Till then, the naxalite movement had not been so strong. Later, when the TDP arose, those having Leftist leanings found political space in that party. That’s why there is a perception that politics in Telangana witnessed a change during the TDP regime. Similarly, when the TRS was formed in 2001 at a time of suppression of the naxalite movement, these people found political space in the TRS. The naxalite movement has a political agenda: to redistribute land and end the political dominance of certain classes. That was why the TRS promised that it will make an SC the chief minister in separate Telangana. Also, the slogan of Harita Telangana was adopted to redistribute lands to the poor. Whoever says that the naxalite agenda is their agenda is essentially saying that they will protect small farmers and suppressed groups. If that agenda is implemented in true spirit, there will be no scope for a naxalite movement. Economic and social indices will improve in smaller states, which will itself address the naxalite problem.
You talk about social change. But there is a criticism that the current Telangana movement is led mostly by upper castes with little participation by BCs and SCs.
That is not a fact. If you look at the movement closely, you’ll see that an alternative leadership has emerged at different levels. Even upper caste leaders recognize that it is a social necessity to sail together with the suppressed classes. A new leadership indeed emerged. It’s a mistake to feel that it is limited to K Chandrasekhar Rao.
You say economic indicators will address the naxalite problem. But then, though Chattisgarh and Jharkhand have improved economically, the naxalite influence has grown considerably in those states.
The historic backgrounds of Chattisgarh and Jharkhand are different. The naxalites were there before those states were formed. It is wrong to say that naxalites entered those states only after their formation. Moreover, political and economic development is only one dimension. We also have to ensure that political opportunities are given to people. So the cases of Chattisgarh and Telangana are different. Unlike Chattisgarh, much social change has already taken place in Telangana.
Is this social change possible through separate Telangana?
Certainly. In fact all these agitations are a response to crony capitalism being followed by governments now. There will be social change in the whole of Andhra Pradesh. And I think it will come first in Andhra.
It will happen first in coastal Andhra? How?
Crony capitalism is more dominant in Andhra. When the domination of certain classes is ended, an alternative leadership will arise from the dalits. A separate Andhra movement will bring about this change just as the Telangana movement has expanded the democratic space here.
To the person on the street, the Telangana movement is synonymous with jobs. Will separate Telangana create jobs for the youth?
It’s a hope and I think it will be realized though it is difficult to explain immediately how it would be possible. Minor irrigation tanks will have to be restored. Existing canals should be used more effectively. We have to encourage agri-based industries. Tourist spots can be developed. Petty production like weaving and agri-allied industries need more focus. There is a need to reset the agenda. We have to look beyond the needs of crony capitalists to address the needs of the unemployed, petty producers and small farmers. If the outcome of the separate state movement only leads to crony capitalists coming back to power in a different guise, it will only lead to a devastating crisis. Fortunately, the present Telangana movement is led by the people themselves and civil society groups. It is they who are setting the agenda. And the TRS too has accepted it. I believe that the Telangana struggle is a very important one even from a national perspective. It shows that the people are looking for an alternative model of development.
There is an argument that students are being misled in the Telangana movement.
They are not. The are being correctly led. Andhra Pradesh is an example of the worst results of crony capitalism. Surprisingly, the solution to crony capitalism also will come from AP. The Telangana movement, the rights movement and Dalit movements are all responses to crony capitalism. If the present Telangana experiment fails, there will be a political revolution that will be far more ideological than the Naxalbari movement.
Karimnagar tops the state in rice production. If other districts were similarly developed, would there be a need for a separate state? Is the Telangana movement aimed at development or self-respect or self-rule?
Development of agriculture in Karimnagar has been highly capital-intensive. Only certain pockets of the district are developed. Without political power that sort of development means little. The separate Telangana demand has three separate dimensions: literature and culture, political power and economic development. Different Telangana separatist groups accent different dimensions. But the overall Telangana demand unites all these three points. We cannot view them separately. Political power and economic development are interlinked. People want power to utilise their resources as per their discretion. Assertion of their cultural identity is an articulation of the demand for political power.
Do you see an alliance of inter-regional elites to thwart the movement?
Elite formation has taken place among the BCs too to some extent. The Telangana movement says that AP cannot continue as it exists now. The Telangana upsurge questions the current models of economic development and continuance of the existing culture. The Telangana movement declares, ‘Telugu Talli kaadura, Telangana Talli’. There is no Telugu jati, Telangana people are saying. Though NTR tried to consolidate the Telugu jati slogan, he could not succeed. This crisis is best seen in the TDP. Chandrababu Naidu is not able to take a decision whether to support Samaikya Andhra or separate Telangana. Naidu cannot continue to have a grip on Andhra without a Samaikya Andhra. On the other hand he cannot have influence in Telangana by supporting Samaikya Andhra. So he cannot take any step. He is like a man caught in quicksand. Any move sucks him deeper into the quagmire. Naidu cannot afford to stand still because politics is dynamic. The Telangana leadership in the TDP too is in a crisis.
The Telangana people rejected the TDP in the recent byelections. The TDP chief also expresses his helplessness that he can neither obstruct nor bring Telangana given his nominal strength. Still people in Telangana are obstructing him in the region. Why?
People are asking why Naidu wants to visit the region. The TRS is glowing with the support given by people supporting Telangana. It is not the own strength of the TRS. Why are others unable to take advantage of this. The TDP started corrupt politics. Naidu had the notion that people can be won over with money. But it is not possible in Telangana. The Congress is waiting and watching the Telangana movement like a vulture to catch a bird. It will sail with those who win this battle. The Congress high command decided that continunance of united Andhra is not possible. It will consider those who gained in T as its friends. Historical vision is necessary here. There are no leaders who have historical vision in T-region.
Is it not undemocratic to obstruct leaders from touring the region?
The TRS is not obstructing any leader. Local leaders are voluntarily doing so. Naidu wants to tour the region for the sake of power. Those obstructing him are not after power. They are fighting for a cause. Obstruction of Naidu’s tours should be viewed in a larger perspective. It is not only a question of Naidu’s freedom. The aspiration of the people are involved in this. We cannot suppress the expression of the people in the name of Naisu’s freedom. People want Naidu not to visit their villages if he cannot support the Telangana movement. If Naidu wants to avoid this he should fulfil his responsibility. He should give a letter to the Srikrishna Committee. He should clarify, how far he is ready to fight against the Congress for Telangana. Naidu should give political clarity. People will question him unitl he gives clarity on Telangana. If he were not a politician and was only going to attend a bhajan programme or a service activity in a Gandhian way, none would obstruct him. He should clarify that where he stands.
Is there a possibility of a new leader emerging from among the students involved in the present movement.
It may happen.
What will be the form of the movement after December 31?
I think the movement will be intensified from November itself by observing a Betrayal Day on Nov. 1
The TRS chief has declared that all those born in Telangana become sons of the soils. How do you react to this?
Nativity cannot be decided merely on the basis of birth. Unequals cannot be treated as equals. There should be an unequal allocation of rights. There is a need for special protection for Telangana. One should go by Article 371-D of the Constitution in this respect.
What is the fate of settlers in separate Telangana?
I will not use the word settlers, but all those who have migrated to Telangana will be taken care of. Civil society groups engaged in the Telangana movement have some discipline and will ensure the safety of those who settled here. The 1969 movement was based on the ‘Andhra go back’ slogan. But this movement is not like that. We have no personal enimity.
Are there any differences among leaders in the Telangana movement?
Minor differences of opinion will always be there but they have to be sorted out from time to time. But the differences will not result in the Telangana people falling apart. KCR understands that there will be a tussle if there is no coordination between TRS and Telangana protagonists. The TDP cannot understand this spirit. That is why we allege that Congress and TDP have a nexus.
Some people allege that you are working as an agent of KCR. What is your reaction?
That is wrong. I am not an agent of anybody. We work together.
Is there any possibility of you working together with separate Andhra agitators?
It is the responsibility of civil society groups there to fight for the cause. There is no proposal to launch a joint front with them. There are separatists in Andhra too and their demands should be highlighted.
Recently, there were controversies over the Group-I examination and reservation for advocates. Is it necessary for the Telangana Joint Action Committee to support such incidents which led to violence? Why didn’t the TRS participate in these agitations?
During the course of movements like separate Telangana, one has to address local issues to bring everybody together. We supported the agitations as the issues were genuine. Coming to the TRS, political parties are focusing on sustaining the movement.
Are you interested in contesting elections?
I will work for Telangana and I am not interested in jumping into active politics. I will not contest in the elections.
Comments
Kodandaram is doing excellent job. he is sincere in his efforts. Not only he many intellectuals are in Telangana movement. When the cause is genuine you will have reasons to work. If you take samaikyandhra movement, no intellectuals or professors are actively participating.
By Sridhar
10/12/2010 8:54:00 AM
I have to disagree deshbhakt... a title is just that a title... I dont care so much if he's called a Professor or teacher or student or chaprasi. what matters is what he does. and I think the 1 simple and important thing he does is bring sanity to an otherwise chaotic world of media-dramatics involving parties. for a second think that its not Mr Kondaram and read the answers to the questions posed; I think they make lot of sense whether one is from TG or not and actually makes a good read for any Indian who want to understand the general mechanics of 'development' and the various perspectives to what development means and is.
By Sree
10/11/2010 6:34:00 PM
Kodandaram is supposed to be a teacher. Instead of teach, he is playing politics and destroying student's lives. Most probably Kodandram is a administrator without teaching experience. Else he would not be behaving like the side-kick of KCR.
By deshbhakt
10/11/2010 12:20:00 PM
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First Published : 11 Oct 2010 05:05:57 AM IST
Last Updated : 12 Oct 2010 10:56:01 AM IST
Telangana ideologue Prof Kodandaram says the Telangana movement is not a mere separatist agitation. It's a part of a nationwidw response to the ills of crony capitalism.
K Chandrasekhar Rao has declared that the TRS agenda is the naxalite agenda. How do you view this?
There is an historic background to this. When the Telangana movement failed in 1969, frustrated youth went over to the naxalite movement. Till then, the naxalite movement had not been so strong. Later, when the TDP arose, those having Leftist leanings found political space in that party. That’s why there is a perception that politics in Telangana witnessed a change during the TDP regime. Similarly, when the TRS was formed in 2001 at a time of suppression of the naxalite movement, these people found political space in the TRS. The naxalite movement has a political agenda: to redistribute land and end the political dominance of certain classes. That was why the TRS promised that it will make an SC the chief minister in separate Telangana. Also, the slogan of Harita Telangana was adopted to redistribute lands to the poor. Whoever says that the naxalite agenda is their agenda is essentially saying that they will protect small farmers and suppressed groups. If that agenda is implemented in true spirit, there will be no scope for a naxalite movement. Economic and social indices will improve in smaller states, which will itself address the naxalite problem.
You talk about social change. But there is a criticism that the current Telangana movement is led mostly by upper castes with little participation by BCs and SCs.
That is not a fact. If you look at the movement closely, you’ll see that an alternative leadership has emerged at different levels. Even upper caste leaders recognize that it is a social necessity to sail together with the suppressed classes. A new leadership indeed emerged. It’s a mistake to feel that it is limited to K Chandrasekhar Rao.
You say economic indicators will address the naxalite problem. But then, though Chattisgarh and Jharkhand have improved economically, the naxalite influence has grown considerably in those states.
The historic backgrounds of Chattisgarh and Jharkhand are different. The naxalites were there before those states were formed. It is wrong to say that naxalites entered those states only after their formation. Moreover, political and economic development is only one dimension. We also have to ensure that political opportunities are given to people. So the cases of Chattisgarh and Telangana are different. Unlike Chattisgarh, much social change has already taken place in Telangana.
Is this social change possible through separate Telangana?
Certainly. In fact all these agitations are a response to crony capitalism being followed by governments now. There will be social change in the whole of Andhra Pradesh. And I think it will come first in Andhra.
It will happen first in coastal Andhra? How?
Crony capitalism is more dominant in Andhra. When the domination of certain classes is ended, an alternative leadership will arise from the dalits. A separate Andhra movement will bring about this change just as the Telangana movement has expanded the democratic space here.
To the person on the street, the Telangana movement is synonymous with jobs. Will separate Telangana create jobs for the youth?
It’s a hope and I think it will be realized though it is difficult to explain immediately how it would be possible. Minor irrigation tanks will have to be restored. Existing canals should be used more effectively. We have to encourage agri-based industries. Tourist spots can be developed. Petty production like weaving and agri-allied industries need more focus. There is a need to reset the agenda. We have to look beyond the needs of crony capitalists to address the needs of the unemployed, petty producers and small farmers. If the outcome of the separate state movement only leads to crony capitalists coming back to power in a different guise, it will only lead to a devastating crisis. Fortunately, the present Telangana movement is led by the people themselves and civil society groups. It is they who are setting the agenda. And the TRS too has accepted it. I believe that the Telangana struggle is a very important one even from a national perspective. It shows that the people are looking for an alternative model of development.
There is an argument that students are being misled in the Telangana movement.
They are not. The are being correctly led. Andhra Pradesh is an example of the worst results of crony capitalism. Surprisingly, the solution to crony capitalism also will come from AP. The Telangana movement, the rights movement and Dalit movements are all responses to crony capitalism. If the present Telangana experiment fails, there will be a political revolution that will be far more ideological than the Naxalbari movement.
Karimnagar tops the state in rice production. If other districts were similarly developed, would there be a need for a separate state? Is the Telangana movement aimed at development or self-respect or self-rule?
Development of agriculture in Karimnagar has been highly capital-intensive. Only certain pockets of the district are developed. Without political power that sort of development means little. The separate Telangana demand has three separate dimensions: literature and culture, political power and economic development. Different Telangana separatist groups accent different dimensions. But the overall Telangana demand unites all these three points. We cannot view them separately. Political power and economic development are interlinked. People want power to utilise their resources as per their discretion. Assertion of their cultural identity is an articulation of the demand for political power.
Do you see an alliance of inter-regional elites to thwart the movement?
Elite formation has taken place among the BCs too to some extent. The Telangana movement says that AP cannot continue as it exists now. The Telangana upsurge questions the current models of economic development and continuance of the existing culture. The Telangana movement declares, ‘Telugu Talli kaadura, Telangana Talli’. There is no Telugu jati, Telangana people are saying. Though NTR tried to consolidate the Telugu jati slogan, he could not succeed. This crisis is best seen in the TDP. Chandrababu Naidu is not able to take a decision whether to support Samaikya Andhra or separate Telangana. Naidu cannot continue to have a grip on Andhra without a Samaikya Andhra. On the other hand he cannot have influence in Telangana by supporting Samaikya Andhra. So he cannot take any step. He is like a man caught in quicksand. Any move sucks him deeper into the quagmire. Naidu cannot afford to stand still because politics is dynamic. The Telangana leadership in the TDP too is in a crisis.
The Telangana people rejected the TDP in the recent byelections. The TDP chief also expresses his helplessness that he can neither obstruct nor bring Telangana given his nominal strength. Still people in Telangana are obstructing him in the region. Why?
People are asking why Naidu wants to visit the region. The TRS is glowing with the support given by people supporting Telangana. It is not the own strength of the TRS. Why are others unable to take advantage of this. The TDP started corrupt politics. Naidu had the notion that people can be won over with money. But it is not possible in Telangana. The Congress is waiting and watching the Telangana movement like a vulture to catch a bird. It will sail with those who win this battle. The Congress high command decided that continunance of united Andhra is not possible. It will consider those who gained in T as its friends. Historical vision is necessary here. There are no leaders who have historical vision in T-region.
Is it not undemocratic to obstruct leaders from touring the region?
The TRS is not obstructing any leader. Local leaders are voluntarily doing so. Naidu wants to tour the region for the sake of power. Those obstructing him are not after power. They are fighting for a cause. Obstruction of Naidu’s tours should be viewed in a larger perspective. It is not only a question of Naidu’s freedom. The aspiration of the people are involved in this. We cannot suppress the expression of the people in the name of Naisu’s freedom. People want Naidu not to visit their villages if he cannot support the Telangana movement. If Naidu wants to avoid this he should fulfil his responsibility. He should give a letter to the Srikrishna Committee. He should clarify, how far he is ready to fight against the Congress for Telangana. Naidu should give political clarity. People will question him unitl he gives clarity on Telangana. If he were not a politician and was only going to attend a bhajan programme or a service activity in a Gandhian way, none would obstruct him. He should clarify that where he stands.
Is there a possibility of a new leader emerging from among the students involved in the present movement.
It may happen.
What will be the form of the movement after December 31?
I think the movement will be intensified from November itself by observing a Betrayal Day on Nov. 1
The TRS chief has declared that all those born in Telangana become sons of the soils. How do you react to this?
Nativity cannot be decided merely on the basis of birth. Unequals cannot be treated as equals. There should be an unequal allocation of rights. There is a need for special protection for Telangana. One should go by Article 371-D of the Constitution in this respect.
What is the fate of settlers in separate Telangana?
I will not use the word settlers, but all those who have migrated to Telangana will be taken care of. Civil society groups engaged in the Telangana movement have some discipline and will ensure the safety of those who settled here. The 1969 movement was based on the ‘Andhra go back’ slogan. But this movement is not like that. We have no personal enimity.
Are there any differences among leaders in the Telangana movement?
Minor differences of opinion will always be there but they have to be sorted out from time to time. But the differences will not result in the Telangana people falling apart. KCR understands that there will be a tussle if there is no coordination between TRS and Telangana protagonists. The TDP cannot understand this spirit. That is why we allege that Congress and TDP have a nexus.
Some people allege that you are working as an agent of KCR. What is your reaction?
That is wrong. I am not an agent of anybody. We work together.
Is there any possibility of you working together with separate Andhra agitators?
It is the responsibility of civil society groups there to fight for the cause. There is no proposal to launch a joint front with them. There are separatists in Andhra too and their demands should be highlighted.
Recently, there were controversies over the Group-I examination and reservation for advocates. Is it necessary for the Telangana Joint Action Committee to support such incidents which led to violence? Why didn’t the TRS participate in these agitations?
During the course of movements like separate Telangana, one has to address local issues to bring everybody together. We supported the agitations as the issues were genuine. Coming to the TRS, political parties are focusing on sustaining the movement.
Are you interested in contesting elections?
I will work for Telangana and I am not interested in jumping into active politics. I will not contest in the elections.
Comments
Kodandaram is doing excellent job. he is sincere in his efforts. Not only he many intellectuals are in Telangana movement. When the cause is genuine you will have reasons to work. If you take samaikyandhra movement, no intellectuals or professors are actively participating.
By Sridhar
10/12/2010 8:54:00 AM
I have to disagree deshbhakt... a title is just that a title... I dont care so much if he's called a Professor or teacher or student or chaprasi. what matters is what he does. and I think the 1 simple and important thing he does is bring sanity to an otherwise chaotic world of media-dramatics involving parties. for a second think that its not Mr Kondaram and read the answers to the questions posed; I think they make lot of sense whether one is from TG or not and actually makes a good read for any Indian who want to understand the general mechanics of 'development' and the various perspectives to what development means and is.
By Sree
10/11/2010 6:34:00 PM
Kodandaram is supposed to be a teacher. Instead of teach, he is playing politics and destroying student's lives. Most probably Kodandram is a administrator without teaching experience. Else he would not be behaving like the side-kick of KCR.
By deshbhakt
10/11/2010 12:20:00 PM
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